It was the time of coming of age for young girls, a period filled with dreams about the future. Even Daisy Eastwood was no exception. Sometimes, she would secretly wonder what kind of man she would marry or what kind of man would join the Eastwood family.
Her father had high hopes for Jack Phoenix, and this sentiment was indirectly conveyed. However, Daisy didn't particularly like him. Although Jack was exceptional, arguably the most accomplished person at Foxfire Mountain Lodge, she felt a certain dislike for him. It was probably just a feeling she couldn't quite explain.
On the other hand, she had a certain fondness for Sam. In reality, Sam was far inferior to Jack. He lacked Jack's talent, his looks were not as striking, and he wasn't as humble and kind. Compared to Jack or anyone else at Foxfire Mountain Lodge, Sam always seemed different, a little eccentric. He felt strange, like he didn't fit in.
Moreover, the way he spoke and looked at her wasn't as respectful or flattering as the other disciples. Sometimes he was even bold. She often felt he wasn't from this world, like he was covered by a hazy veil, giving off a vague feeling. But even so, she had a better impression of Sam. It was comfortable to talk to him or occasionally spend time with him.
She thought of many things at once, not because she liked Sam, but because he suddenly came to mind.
"Sister, will there be someone you like in the future?" Lily's crisp voice interrupted Daisy's thoughts.
Looking at Lily's big, inquiring eyes, Daisy gently scratched her sister's nose. "Who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe there will be someone you like, maybe not. No one knows. It all depends on fate."
"Is that so!" Lily nodded as if she understood, then asked, "What if someone likes you?"
"Liking someone is a two-way street," Daisy explained, gently stroking her sister's hair. "It's not enough for one person to like someone. It's about mutual feelings. You can't force someone to like you."
"So..." Lily pondered, falling into distress again. She wasn't sure if she liked that silly boy, Sam. Being with him was fun, and she enjoyed his company. Yet, he always seemed silly and clueless, which didn't match what Daisy had said about liking someone.
"What's wrong, Lily? Does someone like you?" Daisy asked curiously.
"No, no," Lily waved her hands hurriedly, then buried her head in Daisy's arms, with a hint of playfulness and complaint. "Everyone else likes pretty sisters, not me."
"You're the cutest and prettiest."
"But not even close to you."
...
After a day of sword practice, Sam returned to his residence, exhausted. His home was simple, almost bare, with only a bed, table, and a few chairs.
Though tired, hunger drove him to the kitchen to cook.
The night deepened. Lily lay on her bed, hands behind her head, staring at the ceiling, cheeks puffed up. "Oh, so annoying! How could that silly boy fall in love with me? Though I'm indeed naturally beautiful, cute, and pretty, it's normal for him to like me, but why say it out loud? It's embarrassing."
"How can I politely reject that silly boy?"
"If I reject him directly, will he be sad? Though he's a little stupid, it's not nice to make him too sad."
"But if I don't reject him, he might think I like him too. What then? If he asks me to be with him, I can't be with that silly boy. After all, if he's so silly, won't our future child be silly too? But if the child is silly, won't he be cute..."
"Why am I thinking so much all at once..."
Her mind raced with thoughts, keeping her from sleep. She rose from the bed and, taking small steps, gazed out at the pitch-black night. "What is that silly boy doing now?" she murmured, curiosity sparking within her.
After a moment's hesitation, she cautiously opened the door, poking her head into Daisy's room, then tiptoed out.
The night was dark, and Lily's footsteps were light. She had never visited Sam's place but knew where he lived. Following her memory, she soon arrived at a remote, unfinished house.
Looking at the shabby house, her pretty brows furrowed. She thought she should talk to her father about better accommodations for Sam at Foxfire Mountain Lodge.
With this in mind, she entered the house. A kerosene lamp lit the room, but it was empty. Surveying the room, she felt a twinge of concern for his poor living conditions.
"What a fool," she muttered as her eyes scanned the room. It was simple and bare, with scattered clothes but not dirty. A steaming teacup on the table indicated Sam had just left.
Suddenly, she smelled something. Sniffing softly, she followed the scent. Soon, she stopped at a small thatched hut nearby. Inside, a man sat quietly in front of the stove, his figure gentle in the warm firelight.